Why Accessibility Belongs in Your Business Premises Plan From Day One
Most business owners focus on things like the parking lot and desk layout when deciding on a business premises plan, but these days, accessibility is just as important. It’s critical for compliance, and so many people require accessible access. If you don’t get it right, it could shut customers and staff out of your business.
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Who is accessibility actually for?
According to the World Health Organization, around 1.3 billion people worldwide have a significant disability. Disabilities are particularly common among older people and those with disabilities, but accessible buildings are essential for parents with strollers.
If you’re in a business that sells to families or kids, you absolutely need to consider this aspect of your premises. If staff or customers use trolleys or carts, accessibility is also essential. You can’t have people trying to push rolling items over thresholds or uneven flooring.
What does the law say you have to do?
The good news is that the law is relatively straightforward in what it expects. In the United States, the Americans with Disabilities Act sets out all of the requirements for construction and usage. All you have to do is work with a contractor who understands them fully.
Most professional builders are used to dealing with these requirements in depth every day, so they can tell you exactly what you need. There shouldn’t be any guesswork. You don’t have to go overboard, just achieve the right level of accessibility for your business and make sure you comply with the law.
Plan well before you settle on a design
You will, of course, want to plan well before settling on any design. Many business owners rush ahead with plans for their premises without thinking in detail about what they’ll offer and whether they really need all the accessibility they think they need to serve their customers.
The best way to consider accessibility is to use an accessibility consultant. These professionals can dramatically improve accessibility over time and also help you make more sensible decisions. For example, they’ll consider things like where people arrive at your business, whether you need to widen any corridors, or whether you need to move a doorway. All of this sounds very simple, but the details can be tricky in reality.
Don’t just focus on the front door
A lot of businesses make the mistake of just focusing on the front door to their premises without considering the rest of their building. While the front door is important, it isn’t the be-all and end-all of accessibility, and inspectors will look elsewhere to check for compliance.
For example, make sure that lighting is adequate and that all of the signage in your building serves a purpose. Make sure it guides people to the right locations instead of sending them on a wild goose chase. Also, check that your toilets have the appropriate bars and disabled accessories, and that your meeting rooms and exits are clearly signed.
Interestingly, furniture layout matters as well. Sometimes even a well-built space can be blocked by random chairs.